Gibbs Summer League: Underclassmen Playing Beyond Their Years

In the first week of the Gibbs Summer League, the future took center stage. A group of underclassmen proved that age is just a number, showing poise, polish, and production far beyond their graduating class. Whether through elite scoring, high-level decision making, or fearless confidence, these young standouts made it clear they belong on the big stage already.    Douse continues to show why he's one of the most electric young guards in the state. His elite speed and tight handle make him a nightmare to stay in front of, and he's constantly putting pressure on defenses with his ability to blow by defenders and get downhill. His mid-range pull-up is automatic, and his quick release makes it nearly impossible to contest. Douse has also taken a big step defensively, using his quick hands and relentless energy to force turnovers. Whether finishing with acrobatic layups or floating it softly over the help side, he's always a threat at the rim.     Harris continues to elevate his game each time he steps on the floor. Already known as one of the top scorers in the nation regardless of class, Harris has become a complete three-level scorer with the addition of a smooth mid-range jumper to complement his deep shooting and physical paint finishes. His improved handle has made him even tougher to defend, as he is now creating more space with advanced footwork and shifty moves. Harris plays with poise beyond his years and has firmly cemented himself as the go-to guy in any setting.     Jones is a shifty ball handler with the confidence and skill to break down defenders off the bounce. He's always in attack mode and uses his tight handle to create separation for his jumper or collapse the defense to find open teammates. His change of direction is lightning quick, and he plays with a swagger that energizes his team. Jones showed flashes of shooting potential with clean mechanics and solid touch, giving him real promise as a scoring threat moving forward.     Bird showed advanced toughness for a young player, taking contact all week and embracing the physicality. He played through aggressive pressure, often drawing fouls with fearless drives into the lane. His confidence at the line helped convert those fouls into points. Bird mixed in a smooth handle with a deceptive change of pace to keep defenders off balance. He also made smart reads in transition, hitting teammates in stride and keeping the offense flowing.     Applefield brings versatility and energy to his team's frontcourt. He runs the floor hard in transition, finishes well around the rim, and consistently puts himself in the right spots to score. His soft touch on a reliable jump hook gives him a go-to move in the post, while his length and hustle make him a presence on the glass. Applefield also displayed great hands, catching tough passes in traffic and converting them into buckets. For an incoming sophomore adjusting to varsity-level play, his impact has been immediate and impressive.

In the first week of the Gibbs Summer League, the future took center stage. A group of underclassmen proved that age is just a number, showing poise, polish, and production far beyond their graduating class. Whether through elite scoring, high-level decision making, or fearless confidence, these young standouts made it clear they belong on the big stage already.